In this occasional series, Dr. Sheri Doniger shares her perspective on various dental instruments, materials, and equipment. These are products Dr. Doniger personally uses or has tested in her practice.
Kettenbach Panasil
Amazing. Predictable. Simple to use. Kettenbach's Panasil Initial Contact impression material is all that and more.
Panasil Initial Contact by Kettenbach.We have been using this addition-curing vinyl polysiloxane product in our office for several months and could not be happier. One of the best features about Panasil Initial Contact (aside from the incredibly accurate detailed impressions we are achieving) is the working time specified on each product tube. There is no second guessing, no questioning when it is set.
Panasil Initial Contact has a high level of hydrophilicity, overcoming moisture in the field. The heavy body tray material is easily extruded from the dispenser, which is especially great for smaller hands. Aesthetically, the colors are quite appealing, and there is a wide enough difference in shade to accurately determine the edges of the preparation without difficulty. There appears to be no drag or tears upon removal.
As someone who has recently been on the receiving end of a final prosthetic impression, I will say there are materials out there that are not very aesthetically pleasing to the tongue. We have had no complaints about the taste from our patients.
Caulk SureFil SDR flow
Restoring a tooth with a material that flows and will bulk cure to 4 mm? Yes, it is possible with SureFil SDR flow. Not only are you able to bulk fill a preparation, but the material self-levels to ensure complete adaptation by the flowable. SureFil SDR flow has lower polymerization stress, which decreases microleakage. Once you achieve your adapted flowable base, you use the restorative shade of your choice to complete the procedure. The universal shade cures in 20 seconds. Shades A1, A2, and A3 are now available, with a cure time of 40 seconds. SureFil SDR flow is predictable, eliminates voids, and saves time with restorative procedures.
There are several key features of SureFil SDR flow that make it such an appealing product, according to Nikki Sparacino of Dentsply Caulk.
"The self-leveling handling is unique and has been one of the top reasons doctors love this material," she said. "It requires little to no manipulation from an instrument, so it will adapt to the walls of the prep on its own in a matter of seconds. It even works great in a maxillary prep as it will flow to take the shape of the prep, but does not slump."
Another feature is the ability to bulk fill this material up to 4 mm, which saves up to 40% in placement time, greatly simplifying posterior restorations, she noted. In addition, the resin technology (SDR) reduces polymerization stress by up to 60%, making it one of the lowest stress composites on the market, which helps to minimize potential issues such as post-op sensitivity, Sparacino said.
All great reasons to give SureFil SDR flow a try.
Sheri Doniger, D.D.S., practices clinical dentistry in Lincolnwood, IL. She has served as an educator in several dental and dental hygiene programs, has been a consultant for a major dental benefit company, and has written for several dental publications. Most recently, she was the editor of Woman Dentist Journal and Woman Dentist eJournal. You can reach her at [email protected].
The comments and observations expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the opinions of DrBicuspid.com, nor should they be construed as an endorsement or admonishment of any particular idea, vendor, or organization.
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